Shoe Roller End Module Eccentric Ferrule Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoe roll end modules face challenges in manufacturing and safety due to the complexity of eccentric ferrules, which are difficult to manufacture and can become loose during turning, and offer limited adjustability in eccentricity for individual projects.

Innovation Solution

A shoe roll end module comprising a pedestal, a roll head, and an axially elongated annular structure that supports the roll head, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, adjustable eccentricity, and simplified manufacturing by using a ferrule that can be easily attached and detached, with a flange part serving as a stopper and an annular gap for fluid adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If eccentric ferrules are turned from a cast billet and fitted directly to an axle stub, then the eccentricity structure is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes challenging and unsafe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeccentricity structureVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the eccentric ferrule into multiple segments that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each segment to be manufactured more easily and safely, while the assembled structure achieves the required eccentricity configuration. The segments are connected in a way that maintains the eccentric relationship between the inner and outer ferrules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a nested structure where the inner eccentric ferrule is positioned within the outer eccentric ferrule. The inner ferrule has a smaller diameter and is concentric with the axle, while the outer ferrule provides the eccentric offset. This nested arrangement allows both ferrules to work together to achieve the desired eccentricity without requiring complex single-piece manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Manufacturing precision

If big rotating eccentric masses are used during turning work, then the eccentric structure is formed, but the attachment may come loose during manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeccentric structureVSAvoidattachment safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the eccentric ferrule into multiple smaller components, the invention reduces the mass of each individual piece that needs to be rotated during manufacturing. This segmentation eliminates the safety risk associated with rotating large eccentric masses, as each segment can be manufactured separately with smaller, safer rotational forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary manufacturing of individual ferrule segments before final assembly. Each segment is manufactured separately with proper attachment features built in, eliminating the need to rotate and attach large masses during the turning process. The segments are then assembled in a controlled manner to achieve the final eccentric structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed eccentric ferrule structure is used, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the adjustability of eccentricity amount and direction is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoideccentricity adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a dynamic eccentric structure where the relative positions of the inner and outer ferrules can be adjusted. The inner ferrule can be positioned at different angular orientations within the outer ferrule, allowing adjustment of both the amount and direction of eccentricity. This dynamic capability is achieved through adjustable mounting features that maintain structural integrity while enabling reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-ferrule structure serves multiple functions: it provides the required eccentricity, allows adjustment of eccentricity parameters, and maintains structural strength. The modular design enables the same basic structure to be adapted for different eccentricity requirements by simply changing the relative positioning of the ferrule segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Volume of moving object

If the roll head support is positioned close to the axle stub, then the structure is compact, but the support is located at the stressed part where the axle profile changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure compactnessVSAvoidaxle support strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the roll head support function from the critical stressed region of the axle stub. By positioning the support on the less-stressed portion of the axle where the profile is more uniform, the design separates the support function from the high-stress transition zone, reducing the risk of failure while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3733961B1Shoe roller end module and method to assemble a shoe roller end module
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 VALMET TECH OY
  • EP3733961B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3733961B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3733961B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A shoe roll end module comprises a pedestal (1); a roll head (3) configured to support a belt (31) tensioned about the shoe roll; and an axially elongated annular structure (5) in connection with the pedestal (1). The axially elongated annular structure is configured to support the roll head (3).